MANILA, Philippines?A return bout with either Manny Pacquiao or Juan Manuel Marquez still gets Marco Antonio Barrera?s competitive juices flowing.
But if his two tormentors are unavailable, Barrera is willing to settle for any credible opponent when he comes out of retirement this year.
Barrera, who has noticeably gained weight since his second straight defeat from Pacquiao last October, reiterated his intention to wage a comeback in an article by Mark Vester of boxingscene on Tuesday.
?A fight with Pacquiao is certainly one that gets me worked up but we?ll have to see what his plans are, and against Juan Manuel Marquez, that would be another good one,? said Barrera, adding that he believes he won over his fellow Mexican in their battle for the World Boxing Council super featherweight crown on March 2007.
In an interview with 411 Mania, Barrera said he?d rather stay away from the ring than fight somebody who doesn?t ring a bell.
?I don?t want to return just to return,? said Barrera. ?If Golden Boy Promotions gives me some interesting options against marquee names, or a third fight with Pacquiao, then I?m all for it. But if it?s just about taking on an opponent who?s there to lay down, then I won?t even think about coming back.?
The 34-year-old Barrera was at ringside when Pacquiao wrested the WBC belt away from Marquez by split decision on March 15 in Las Vegas.
According to Barrera, a future Hall of Famer, he felt that the Pacquiao-Marquez rematch should have been a draw, just like in their first encounter in 2004.
Though a third fight with Pacquiao is unlikely to happen, there?s a good chance for a Barrera-Marquez II since both boxers are under the wings of Golden Boy Promotions.
Pacquiao is seeking his fourth world title in as many divisions when he tangles with WBC lightweight champion David Diaz on June 28 in Las Vegas.
